Energy East is the pipeline we need

The Energy East pipeline represents a responsible, made-in-Canada energy project that will reduce our reliance on foreign oil and provide much-needed tidewater access for Canada’s oil.

This $15.7 billion project is a nation-building pursuit, which would deliver 1.1 million barrels a day of western crude to eastern refineries and an export terminal in Saint John, N.B.

No reasonable person would doubt the need for robust regulatory oversight in pipeline development. We owe this duty of care to our fellow citizens, and must ensure stringent measures to protect our land and water.

However, these robust procedures already exist. So it is troubling to learn of the federal government’s announcement to review the processes and methods by which major resource development projects will be reviewed or rejected.

The Minister of Natural Resources has stated that projects already receiving consideration would not be required to return to square one. It is our duty as parliamentarians to ensure that this commitment is maintained.

Let this not represent another roadblock to the development of Energy East. It is imperative that the government proceed with the existing regulatory regime, since we cannot afford to wait any longer. More delays will mean relying upon foreign products, which makes no economic sense when Canada has an abundant supply of oil which must be brought to the international marketplace.

The people of New Brunswick are eager for this and other vital economic projects to proceed, so that we might enhance our way of life. The Conference Board of Canada estimated that, post-construction, Energy East would — once operational — generate $397 million in provincial revenues every year. These funds will help support schools, hospitals, roads and other cherished public services.

The Energy East pipeline, built and operated under the robust oversight of the National Energy Board, can be a much-needed engine of economic growth for Canada. We can enhance our economy and protect our environment, within the current, rigorous environmental regulations. Further delay will simply result in foregone opportunities, when the time to act is now.

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